But she realized, almost without noticing, that she had already fallen in love with this man-stoic on the outside, but gentle and considerate beneath the surface.


    What she didn''t know was that Lyman''s tenderness and care belonged to her, and her alone.


    Lyman''s heart leapt with joy when he heard Effie''s words.


    If they weren''t at the old family estate, he would have swept her up, pressed her against the wall, and kissed her breathless, iming every part of her that was his.


    Watching the intimacy between Lyman and Effie, Fidelia''s face darkened, her expression so sour it looked as if she could wring water from it.


    She clenched her fists, her voice cold and sharp. "Effie, you took what wasn''t yours and you don''t even feel guilty? How can you live with yourself?"


    "Lyman, Effie, it''s gettingte," Lindy interjected, her tone warm and diplomatic. "Why don''t you both stay here tonight? Tomorrow, we can visit Mrs. Spencer together. How does that sound?"


    Lyman didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Effie, knowing her gentle nature and how much she cared about others'' feelings.


    He was certain she''d agree straightaway, not wanting to disappoint Lindy. But Lyman could always read the subtle shifts in Effie''s expression-if she was reluctant, he''d be the one to refuse.


    Finally, Effie spoke up. "Alright, that sounds good."


    Lyman watched her closely, searching her face for any hint of hesitation. When he found none, he let the matter rest.


    Because they were at the family estate, both Lyman and Effie were exceedingly careful around each other all evening, the restraint leaving them feeling a bit stifled.


    "Tonight, let''s wait until we''re home before we..." Lyman leaned in, his breath warm against Effie''s ear as he whispered the rest.


    A shiver ran down Effie''s spine, electricity tingling all the way to her scalp.


    She quickly slipped out of his arms, clutching her phone. "I-I need to call my grandmother," she stammered, trying topose herself.


    "Of course," Lyman replied, a fond smile tugging at his lips, his eyes full of affection.


    Effie stepped into the garden and video-called her grandmother. When the call connected, Effie noticed someone in the background wearing the Etheridge family''s staff uniform.


    A trace of suspicion flickered in her eyes, but before she could ask, her


    grandmother spoke first. "Effie, I woke upst night and saw people from the Etheridge family hade over. There were several of them, and they took very good care of me. I sent you a message-did you see it?"


    Effie had just stepped out and hadn''t checked her messages yet.


    Last night, Lyman had been so enthusiastic that the moment they got to their room, he''d pulled her into his arms, leaving her no time to react-let alone check her phone.


    "I''lle by with my mother-inw to visit youter," Effie said.


    "Well... alright," her grandmother replied, understanding that it was only proper for Effie''s mother-inw to visit. It wasn''t her ce to refuse.


    Older generations valued traditions and etiquette, and her grandmother respected that.


    "They already brought over lots of vitamins and healthy foods. Tell them not to bring too much next time-there''s only so much an olddy like me can eat," her grandmother added.


    "Okay, I understand," Effie replied.


    Truthfully, she knew that even if she promised her grandmother, the arrangements would be up to Lindy. But she was sure Lindy would handle everything perfectly.


    "Young madam, Lady Lindy would like to see you," a maid approached and announced politely.